As I reflect on this transformative year as president of NAWBO Phoenix, I am filled with immense gratitude for the vibrant community we have cultivated. This role has been a journey of growth, both for me personally and for our organization, as we’ve embraced the collective wisdom of our members to empower women entrepreneurs across the Valley.
Celebrating NAWBO’s Legacy
NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) has been at the forefront of championing women entrepreneurs for more than 50 years. As the largest and most influential organization of its kind, NAWBO continues to be a powerful force in advocating for women business owners, fostering leadership and creating opportunities for growth.
Our Phoenix chapter proudly carries forward this legacy by serving as a resource for women to connect, learn and thrive. This year, we leaned into this mission by providing programming and initiatives that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in business today.
A Year of Learning and Growth
One of the initiatives I am most proud of is our year-long Wealth Wise Women series, where we’ve tapped into the incredible expertise within our community to educate and inspire. These monthly luncheons have covered topics from marketing and artificial intelligence to operations, financial strategies and beyond. Each session is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to transform their businesses into assets for their families.
These sessions aren’t just about learning technical skills — they’re about fostering a mindset shift. We are teaching women to view their businesses as legacy-building opportunities, with the potential to create generational wealth and impact. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s a testament to the power of education and collaboration within our NAWBO community.
Building Community and Ecosystem Support
This year, we were fortunate to receive funding from Tiffany & Bosco, which allowed us to secure a new space for our events. This investment underscores a belief in the importance of educating and empowering business owners to build thriving, sustainable businesses.
I am especially thankful to Mayor Kate Gallego, who joined us to share her vision for Phoenix and the importance of fostering community support to strengthen Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her insights remind us that strong businesses build strong communities, and when we support each other, we lay the foundation for lasting growth.
Looking Ahead: Women with Vision Conference
We’re also looking forward to one of our most exciting events of the year: the Women with Vision Conference, scheduled for March 5th. This conference will feature a Shark Tank-style competition, where women entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase innovation, secure funding and celebrate the ingenuity of women business owners.
This event will be a culmination of our efforts to uplift and inspire women entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources, connections and confidence they need to succeed.
Impact Beyond Business
In my own work as an impact investor, I have seen firsthand the importance of aligning financial success with purpose. This year, I’ve been grateful for the enthusiastic support from our community for syndicating investments in real estate and impact-driven projects.
Our investors aren’t looking just for high returns, passive income and tax benefits — they’re looking to make a difference. Every opportunity we present must have an impact component, whether it’s providing affordable rents or incorporating clean energy solutions. This intentionality makes every investment not just a financial win but a step toward creating a better future.
Gratitude for Family and Legacy
Of course, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my family. My son is thriving as a freshman baseball player in college, and my daughters, both athletes in their own right, are charting their collegiate paths forward. Watching them grow and succeed fills me with pride and reminds me why I strive to build a legacy of impact through my work and leadership.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As this year comes to a close, I am thankful for the community of women entrepreneurs who inspire me daily. Together, we are building businesses that not only support our families but also strengthen our communities. I look forward to another year of growth, collaboration and impact.
NAWBO’s 50-year history reminds us that empowering women in business isn’t just about individual success — it’s about creating a movement. Together, we are carrying that legacy forward, building a stronger foundation for the future, one business at a time.
Thank you, NAWBO Phoenix, for believing in the power of education, connection and purpose-driven leadership.
Warm regards,
Tanaha Hairston
President, NAWBO Phoenix
Founder, RISE Impact Investing Community
